Saudi Life: Unpacked

You can visit Saudi’s Red Sea - and still have no idea how big it really is.

In this episode of Saudi Life: Unpacked, Frankie and Lily sit down with Olly from The Red Sea to unpack what’s really happening behind one of the world’s most ambitious tourism projects. From Desert Rock and Six Senses to SLS, St. Regis and the upcoming wellness destination Amala, this conversation goes far beyond beautiful resorts. We explore the stories behind the architecture, the meaning of Saudi hospitality and “hafawa,” the untouched landscapes of the Red Sea, and why this destination feels completely different from anywhere else in the region.

We also dive into the adventure side of The Red Sea from surfing and diving to yacht clubs, wellness retreats, golf courses and family Eid escapes, and why so many expats are now choosing to holiday within Saudi instead of flying abroad.

If you’re planning your escape for Eid, this episode might just convince you to book The Red Sea next. This episode is a rare behind-the-scenes look at how Saudi Arabia is building an entirely new luxury travel destination in real time - and why the rest of the world is starting to pay attention

SHOW NOTES

• Why Saudi’s Red Sea is unlike anywhere else in the region
• The vision behind The Red Sea destination development
• Desert Rock, Six Senses, SLS, St. Regis Shura Island explained
• The stories and Saudi culture behind the architecture
• What “hafawa” means and why Saudi hospitality feels different
• Adventure experiences: surfing, diving, wakeboarding golf
• The upcoming wellness destination Amala explained Yacht clubs, wellness retreats luxury travel in Saudi
• Why expats are now choosing Saudi for staycations Eid escapes
• What’s opening at The Red Sea this year Family-friendly experiences Eid activations Olly's personal recommendations for where to stay
• Why Saudi tourism is moving faster than anywhere else in the world
• The future of travel in Saudi Arabia
  
  Stay Connected: 📍 Follow @saudilifeunpacked for updates, resources weekly episodes.

You can live in Saudi for years -  and still never experience this.

What if the most authentic way to understand Saudi Arabia isn’t through what you see, but through who you sit with?In this episode of Saudi Life: Unpacked, Frankie and Lily step inside a Saudi family home joined by their host Fatima through the Hi Home experience and it completely shifts their perspective on what Saudi hospitality really means. 

From the moment you’re welcomed with Arabic coffee and dates, to trying on traditional dress, cooking together, and sitting down for an open, honest conversation,  this is a rare, immersive look at Saudi culture that most expats never get to experience.We unpack the traditions, the generosity, and the deeply rooted values behind Saudi homes  and why experiences like this are changing the way people understand life in the Kingdom.

If you’ve ever felt like Saudi culture is hard to fully grasp from the outside, this episode brings you one step closer to understanding it from within.

SHOW NOTES

• What the Hi Home experience is and how it works
• What it’s like to be welcomed into a Saudi family home
• The role of the majlis in Saudi culture
• Traditional Saudi hospitality rituals (coffee, dates, incense)
• Trying on regional Saudi dress and learning traditional skills
• Cooking Saudi dishes like mandi, sayadiya, and sambosa
• Food culture and how meals are shared in Saudi homes
• Cultural etiquette: what to bring when visiting a Saudi home
• The meaning of generosity and gift-giving in Saudi society
• How Vision 2030 is opening up cultural experiences
• What Eid really looks like inside a Saudi family
• Why community and hospitality are central to Saudi life
  
  Stay Connected:📍 Follow @saudilifeunpacked for updates, resources weekly episodes.

What is Saudi cuisine really like - and what should you expect when dining in Saudi Arabia?

In this episode of Saudi Life: Unpacked, Frankie and Lily head to Maiz restaurant in Bujairi Terrace for a special on-location episode, sitting down with Chef Elia Kaady to explore the richness of Saudi food, culture, and tradition.

From iconic dishes like jareesh, salig, and kubeba to the role of dates, Arabic coffee, and sharing-style dining, this episode breaks down what makes Saudi cuisine so unique. We also explore how modern Saudi dining is evolving - balancing tradition with fine dining, and catering to different dietary needs including vegetarian options.

We also talk about:

• The diversity of Saudi cuisine across its 13 regions
• What expats should expect when exploring Saudi food
• The importance of hospitality and communal dining
• How Eid is celebrated through food and family gatherings
• Must-try dishes if you’re visiting Saudi Arabia

Whether you're living in Saudi, planning a move, or just curious about the culture - this is your inside look at one of the most exciting culinary scenes in the Middle East.

SHOW NOTES

• Recording at Mays, Bujairi Terrace
• Chef Elia Kaady's journey to Saudi cuisine Key
• Saudi dishes: jareesh, salig, kubeba
• Regional diversity of Saudi food
• Sharing-style dining and hospitality
• Vegetarian options and modern twists
• Camel, dates, and traditional ingredients
• Eid traditions and family food culture
• Must-try dish: kubeba Experiencing Saudi culture through food 
  
  Stay Connected: 📍 Follow @saudilifeunpacked for updates, resources weekly episodes.

What is it really like to move to Saudi Arabia with children and can you actually travel to places like AlUla as a family? 

In this episode of Saudi Life: Unpacked, Frankie and Lily are joined by two expat mums at different stages of their journey - Cami recently moved from Sydney with her family and is navigating the early stages of settling in, while Emma, originally from the UK, has been in Saudi for over a year and a half and offers a more established perspective on expat life. 

Together, they share an honest conversation about raising children in Saudi, the realities of adjusting to a new culture, and the role community plays in making the transition easier. The conversation also explores their recent Eid trip to AlUla - covering everything from travel logistics and where to stay, to whether AlUla is truly family-friendly and what there actually is for kids to do.

If you’re considering a move to Saudi, navigating expat life, or planning a trip to AlUla with children, this episode offers a real and practical perspective from those living it. 

SHOW NOTES:

• Meet Cami and Emma and their move to Saudi Relocating with kids and early adjustment stages
• What surprised them most about life in Saudi Safety, community and compound living
• Kids settling in and making friends Traveling within Saudi and why it’s growing
• Their Eid trip to AlUla Is AlUla family friendly Where to stay and what to expect
• Top things to do in AlUla Travel tips for families visiting AlUla
• Final thoughts on life in Saudi as an expat family 
  
  Stay Connected: 
  📍 Follow @saudilifeunpacked for updates, resources weekly episodes.

What if the most interesting place to travel right now… isn’t somewhere you fly to - but somewhere you live? 

Saudi Arabia is quickly becoming one of the most talked-about destinations in the world, yet for many, what travel here actually looks like still feels unknown. In this episode of Saudi Life: Unpacked, Frankie and Lily sit down with Izy - a sports media presenter whose journey in Saudi started with motorsport, but evolved into something much deeper. 

After first arriving for Formula E, Izy quickly realised that the reality of Saudi Arabia was completely different from what she expected. What began as short work trips turned into a full life in the Kingdom - one that’s taken her far beyond the cities, into remote landscapes, hidden heritage sites, and parts of Saudi most people never see. From road trips through Ha’il to discovering ancient rock art dating back thousands of years, this conversation explores how living in Saudi changes the way you experience it. 

We talk about what it really means to travel Saudi as an expat, why the country feels so different from anywhere else, and how culture, community, and curiosity shape the experience in ways you can’t plan for. 

If you’ve ever wondered what it’s actually like to live, explore, and discover Saudi Arabia from the inside, this episode offers a perspective you rarely hear. 

SHOW NOTES:

• Izzy’s journey into life in Saudi Arabia Expat life as a single woman in the
• Kingdom Traveling Saudi beyond the cities
• Hidden destinations: Ha’il, AlUla, Jeddah Discovering Saudi’s ancient history heritage
• How living here changes the way you travel Tourism, culture Vision 2030
• The reality of Saudi hospitality and community
• Why Saudi is more than most people expect 
  
  Stay Connected: 📍 Follow @saudilifeunpacked for updates, resources weekly episodes.

• What does life in Saudi Arabia actually feel like right now?
  
  In this episode of Saudi Life: Unpacked, Frankie and Lily sit down for a raw, unfiltered catch-up after a month of unexpected change, uncertainty, and emotional highs and lows.
  
  From leaving the Kingdom temporarily, navigating homeschooling and disrupted travel plans, to returning and adjusting to a new “in-between” reality - this is an honest conversation about what expat life really looks like behind the scenes.
  
  We talk about:
  – the mental load of uncertainty
  – how differently people cope in the same situation
  – raising children through unfamiliar moments
  – the contrast between everyday normality and underlying anxiety
  – and why community has never felt more important
  
  This isn’t a news update. It’s not a polished take. It’s simply two expat mums sharing their real experience in the hope it helps you feel less alone, wherever you are.If you’re living in Saudi, considering a move, or just curious about what life here is really like right now - this conversation is for you.
  
  SHOW NOTES:
• A real catch-up after a month of unexpected change
• Why we chose to temporarily leave Saudi (and come back)
• The reality of life on the ground vs what people see online
• Navigating uncertainty, anxiety, and the “what if” feeling
• How differently people cope — and why that’s okay
• Managing conversations with kids during confusing moments
• Balancing normal daily life with underlying stress
• The mental load of not knowing what’s next
• Finding comfort in routine, community, and connection
• Why no one really has the answers right now
  
  Stay Connected:📍 Follow @saudilifeunpacked for updates, resources weekly episodes.

• What is it really like to live in Saudi Arabia as an expat mum?
  
  In this episode of Saudi Life: Unpacked, Frankie sits down with Dani (Dani in KSA), a luxury media founder, content creator, and mum of four, to unpack her journey from the West to building a life in Riyadh.From navigating cultural differences and early challenges to raising teenagers between identities, Dani shares a deeply honest look at expat life in Saudi Arabia.
  
  We talk about motherhood, belonging, misconceptions about Saudi culture, and why the Kingdom is becoming one of the most exciting places to live and raise a family.We also dive into life at the Red Sea, as a holiday destination destinations like SLS Red Sea and the evolving tourism landscape shaping the future of Saudi Arabia.
  
  If you’ve ever considered moving to Saudi - or are curious about what life here actually looks like - this episode gives you a real, grounded perspective.
  
  SHOW NOTES:
• Dani’s journey to living in Saudi ArabiaExpat life, motherhood raising kids in KSA
• Culture, identity common misconceptionsFamily support life in
• RiyadhHow Saudi changed her perspective
• The Red Sea Saudi’s growing lifestyle scene
• Advice for moving to Saudi Arabia
  
  Stay Connected:📍 Follow @saudilifeunpacked for updates, resources weekly episodes.

• What if the world’s next luxury travel destination wasn’t in Europe or the Maldives - but in Saudi Arabia?
  
  Saudi Arabia is becoming one of the fastest-growing tourism destinations in the world, but most people still have no idea what travel here actually looks like.In this episode of Saudi Life: Unpacked, Frankie and Lily sit down with Thomas Staunton, a luxury tourism expert working at the forefront of the Kingdom’s rapidly evolving tourism industry.
  
  After arriving in Saudi from Australia, Thomas quickly realised the reality of life and travel here was completely different from what many people imagine. From untouched desert landscapes and coral reefs in the Red Sea to emerging destinations like AlUla, Saudi is quietly building a luxury tourism ecosystem unlike anywhere else.We talk about what luxury travel in Saudi actually means, why privacy and authenticity are defining the Saudi travel experience, and how Vision 2030 is transforming the country into a global destination.
  
  If you’ve ever been curious about visiting Saudi Arabia or wondered why so many people are suddenly talking about it, this episode will give you a fascinating look inside the Kingdom’s tourism boom.
  
  SHOWNOTES:
• Thomas’s journey from Australia to Saudi Arabia
• How Saudi Arabia’s tourism sector is growing faster than anywhere in the world
• The role of Vision 2030 in shaping the country’s travel industry
• Why Saudi luxury tourism is built around privacy, authenticity and space
• The concept of “hafawa” - the Saudi spirit of generosity
• How destinations like AlUla, the Red Sea and Riyadh are transforming global tourism
• Why Saudi’s untouched landscapes give it a “late mover advantage” in sustainability
• The difference between luxury travel in Saudi vs Europe or other destinations
• What expats often misunderstand about Saudi before arriving
• Why embracing local culture makes the biggest difference when living here
  
  Stay Connected:📍 Follow @saudilifeunpacked for updates, resources weekly episodes.

• Moving countries with teenagers is one of the hardest transitions a family can face - but no one really talks about it.
  
  In this episode of Saudi Life: Unpacked, Frankie and Lily sit down with Saudi content creator Ruba Tursun and her mother Dr. Rihab, a marriage and family therapy consultant based in Riyadh.
  
  Together they explore the emotional realities of moving countries, raising teenagers between cultures, and how families can navigate big transitions while protecting their relationships.Ruba shares her experience moving from Miami to Saudi Arabia at 17 and the identity shift that came with it, while Dr. Rihab offers expert insight into parenting through cultural transitions, supporting teenagers during relocation, and why therapy is becoming increasingly important in Saudi Arabia.
  
  The conversation also dives into the evolving openness around mental health in the Kingdom, the pressures expat families face when relocating, and how parents and children can stay connected through life’s biggest changes.
  
  If you’re an expat moving to Saudi Arabia, raising children abroad, or curious about family life and mental health in the Kingdom, this episode is packed with honest insights and practical advice.
  
  SHOWNOTES:
• What it’s really like moving teenagers between cultures
• Ruba’s experience leaving Miami and returning to Saudi Arabia
• The identity shift that happens when you relocate as a young adult
• Why moving countries can challenge marriages and families
• How parents can support teenagers during relocation
• The importance of maintaining routines when moving abroad
• How Saudi Arabia’s culture and lifestyle have evolved over the past decade
• Breaking the stigma around therapy in Saudi Arabia
• Why communication between parents and children is essential during transitions
• The unique mother-daughter relationship between Ruba and Dr. Rihab
  
  Stay Connected:📍 Follow @saudilifeunpacked for updates, resources weekly episodes.

• What is the Red Sea Project really like - and is it worth visiting right now?
  
  In this episode of Saudi Life: Unpacked, Frankie and Lily record live from SLS Red Sea, one of Saudi Arabia’s newest luxury resorts.
  
  We share our first impressions, what surprised us the most, and answer the questions we constantly get from expats: How do you get there? Can you bring kids? Is it worth the price?From the futuristic airport arrival to the electric-blue water, family-friendly activities and incredible food, we unpack what a stay at the Red Sea actually looks like right now - including the exciting parts and the realities of visiting a destination still being developed.
  
  If you're living in Saudi or considering visiting, this episode gives you an honest look at one of the Kingdom’s most talked-about new destinations.
  
  SHOW NOTES
• Recording live from SLS Red Sea, one of Saudi Arabia’s newest luxury resorts
• How to get there from Riyadh, Jeddah and Dubai
• First impressions of the Red Sea Project
• What the arrival and airport experience is like
• Travelling to the Red Sea with kidsKids club, water sports and family activities
• Food, service and overall resort experience
• Safety and atmosphere compared to other destinations
• Pricing and value compared to places like Dubai or the Maldives
• What to expect while the Red Sea is still being developed
  
  Stay Connected:
  📍 Follow @saudilifeunpacked for updates, resources weekly episodes.